The NASA Airborne Science Program invites highly motivated undergraduate students currently in their junior year to apply for the NASA Student Airborne Research Program, also known as SARP 2015. The program provides students with hands-on research experience in all aspects of a major scientific campaign, from detailed planning on how to achieve mission objectives to formal presentation of results and conclusions to peers and others. Students will assist in the operation of airborne instruments aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft.

The program takes place in summer 2015. Instrument and flight preparations, and the research flights themselves, will occur at NASA′s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California. Post-flight data analysis and interpretation will take place at the University of California, Irvine.

Successful applicants will be awarded a stipend plus a travel and meals allowance for eight weeks of participation in the program. Housing and local transportation will also be provided.

Make plans to attend the 21st Annual Space Exploration Educators Conference, to be held Feb. 5-7, 2015, at Space Center Houston. This conference is for all K-12 educators. Activities presented use space-related themes to teach across the curricula and can be used for science, language arts, mathematics, history and more.

Attend sessions hosted by scientists and engineers working on the International Space Station, Mars exploration and the planets beyond. Hear from astronauts who will be leading the charge in exploration. Attend sessions presented by educators and receive ready-to-implement classroom ideas. Attendees can earn up to 24 hours of continuing professional education credit.

NASA has opened team registration for the 2015 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge. Organized by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the event will be held April 16-18, 2015, at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, also in Huntsville.

The challenge engages high school, college and university students in hands-on, experiential learning activities, while also testing potential technologies needed for future deep space exploration. Both U.S. and international teams may register to participate. For U.S. teams, registration closes Feb. 6, 2015.

Student teams participating in the Rover Challenge must design, engineer and test a human-powered rover on a mock course designed to simulate the harsh and demanding terrains future NASA explorers may find on distant planets, moons and asteroids.

NASA Educator Professional Development is presenting a series of free webinars open to all educators. Join NASA education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources that bring NASA into your classroom. Pre-registration is not required for these webinars. Simply go to the link provided for each webinar approximately 10-15 minutes before the session begins. Sign in, with your first and last name, as a guest.

Physics Resources for Elementary
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades K-6Event Date: Feb. 10, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. EST
Participants will learn activities for teaching Newton’s Laws of Motion, energy, light and gravity. Upon completion, participants will have a set of physics activities and a plan for incorporating them into classes.https://connect.its.txstate.edu/marshallnasaepd

A Tour of Our Solar System: Scaled for Learning
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 5-8Event Date: Feb. 11, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. EST
Explore our solar system with NASA activities and missions. This webinar will demonstrate classification methods and scale models to better explain and visualize our sun, planets, asteroids and other objects as a true system, our solar system.https://connect.its.txstate.edu/stennisnasaepd

Robotics on a Budget
Audience: Pre-service, In-service, Home School and Informal Educators of Grades 5-8Event Date: Feb. 12, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. EST
What are robots and how are they used at NASA? Using NASA robotic missions, curricula and online resources, we’ll explore how to use robotics, cheaply, in your classroom to enhance your understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.https://connect.its.txstate.edu/stennisnasaepd

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium is offering undergraduate research scholarships of up to $8,500 to encourage talented individuals to conduct research in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, or STEM, fields.

Applicants must participate in an active faculty-mentored research experience that aligns with the aerospace sector and meets NASA’s mission. Student stipends and research support totaling $4,000 during the academic year and $4,500 during a summer semester are available.

These one-year awards are nonrenewable and based on student academic merit, quality of the research proposal and alignment of research with the goals of NASA and the aerospace sector. Underrepresented minority students, female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

The Virginia Space Grant Consortium’s Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program provides fellowships of $6,000 in add-on support to graduate students to supplement and enhance basic research support. The objective of this science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, research fellowship opportunity is to encourage talented individuals to pursue careers in STEM industries that support NASA’s mission.

Participants in the Graduate STEM Research Fellowship Program must take part in an active faculty‐mentored research experience that aligns with the aerospace sector and meets NASA’s mission. Awards are made annually and are renewable for one year for students making satisfactory academic and research progress.

This is a competitive fellowship program, and awards are based on merit recognizing high academic achievement and promise. Underrepresented minority students, female students and students with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled at one of the five Virginia Space Grant member universities: The College of William and Mary, Hampton University, Old Dominion University, University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.

The deadline for submitting applications is Feb. 9, 2015.

For more information about this opportunity and to apply online, visit http://vsgc.odu.edu/sf/gradfellow/. Please email any questions about this opportunity to kmanning@odu.edu.
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NASA OSSI Online Career Week

The NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative, or OSSI, is hosting the NASA OSSI Online Career Week Feb. 10-12, 2015. This online event will connect you with NASA, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, employers and top graduate programs nationwide. Engage with representatives from all 10 NASA centers to learn about internship, scholarship and fellowship opportunities available at NASA. Interact with recruiters from top STEM employers, and explore internship and job opportunities in the private sector. Learn about highly ranked STEM graduate programs and network with admissions officers from the comfort of your home, dorm, smartphone or tablet. Register for one or all events and launch your career today!

Starting on February 9, you will be able to research participating organizations and explore opportunities listed. Complete your profile, and prepare a few questions for the centers, companies or graduate programs you are interested in. During the live events, you will engage in one-on-one text-based conversations directly with a recruiter or admissions officer at those organizations. You can share your background, experience and resume and ask questions. Maximize your time in the event by getting in line to chat with representatives from more than one center, company or university at a time.

The Lunar and Planetary Institute invites high school teachers to attend a series of earth and space science workshops. These one-day workshops will take place at the Harris County Department of Education Science Center in Houston, Texas.

‘Our Celestial Neighborhood’Feb. 11, 2015, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Explore the relationships and scales of the solar system, Milky Way and our universe, and examine the characteristics and life cycles of stars, and the variety and properties of galaxies.

A workshop registration fee of $30 includes extensive presentation materials, reference materials, hands-on lesson plans for the classroom, refreshments and lunch. Workshop space is limited, and interested educators are encouraged to apply early to secure a spot. Registration for each workshop closes the day prior to the workshop.

The NASA Academies offered at Armstrong Flight Research Center, Ames Research Center, Langley Research Center, Glenn Research Center and Marshall Space Flight Center are soliciting applications from U.S. citizens majoring in STEM (including citizens of U.S. territories Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands and Northern Marianas). The applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time in accredited universities and colleges in the U.S. and its territories. Students may apply to any of the NASA Academies by following the following steps for students:

1. Log into the NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative, or OSSI, site at https://intern.nasa.gov.
2. Register and set up your account.
3. Select the “Search Opportunities” tab at the top bar.
4. Select NASA Center(s) of Interest under “NASA Center/Facility.”
5. Enter “Academy” in the “Keywords” block at the bottom of the screen.
6. Click the “Search” button at the very bottom of screen; a list of Academy Opportunities will then be displayed.
7. Click on the “View” icon in the first column under “Action” to read about the Opportunity you are interested in, followed by comments on additional instructions for completing your application, including two requested essays.

The deadline for receipt of NASA Academy application(s) and associated documents is Feb. 15, 2015.

National Space Biomedical Research Institute’s Graduate Education Program in Space Life Sciences

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute, or NSBRI, seeks solutions to health concerns facing astronauts on long missions. The institute′s research also benefits patients on Earth. This NSBRI-sponsored training program in space life sciences enables students to pursue doctorate degrees at Texas A&M University and to focus their research on space life sciences and fields related to the space initiative. Texas A&M currently is recruiting participants for fall 2015. Students will pursue degrees in biomedical engineering, genetics, kinesiology, health physics or nutrition, or an M.D./Ph.D. or a Ph.D. in medical sciences.

Questions about this opportunity should be directed to Stella Taddeo at stellat@tamu.edu.
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Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum Presents “STEM in 30” Webcast Series

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum is presenting a series of free education webcast events called “STEM in 30.” This new program consists of live, fast-paced 30-minute webcasts designed to increase interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics for students. To enhance the learning experience, students can get involved with the content through the interactive “Cover It Live” feature, which includes poll questions and classroom activities. The webcasts will be available live on the National Air and Space Museum website as well as on NASA TV and will be archived for on-demand viewing.

Space Junk: Trash That Can KillFeb. 18, 2015, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST
We think of outer space as pretty empty, but that’s not the case around planet Earth. Millions of pieces of man-made debris are floating around there. This debris causes potential problems for astronauts, satellites, and other important pieces of equipment circling Earth.

“STEM in 30” webcasts are online learning experiences but are filmed in front of a live audience. If you are interested in bringing your school group to a live filming of “STEM in 30,” please contact Myra Banks-Scott at banksscottm@si.edu.

NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Program, or MUREP, is sponsoring a series of Google Plus Hangout professional development events for K-12 educators. The Earth Systems, Technology and Energy Education for MUREP, or ESTEEM, team will lead the monthly sessions that will cover a variety of climate topics. This month’s webinar topic is:

Change Over Time: Investigate Climate Change Impacts in the Southwest — Feb. 18, 2015, at 7 p.m. EST
The National Climate Assessment, released in May of 2014, summarizes the impacts of climate change on the United States, touching on many disciplines: earth science, biology, human health, engineering, technology, economics and policy. Explore the document with a lead National Climate Assessment author, then learn about related educator resources with Minda Berbeco from the National Center for Science Education. Discover resources that will enable you to bring this topic into classroom lessons, engage students in data collection and analyses and share visualizations and citizen science projects. The focus this month will be on the Southwest region. Watch for additional regions of the U.S. to be featured in upcoming “Ask US” sessions.

Certificates of professional development hours are available upon request.

Have you ever talked to an astronomer? To participate in an informal conversation with an astronomy researcher, join the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum for a series of Astronomy Chats. The researchers work at a variety of institutions, including the Smithsonian, NASA, Harvard University and the U.S. Naval Research Lab. If they cannot come in person, they join by video chat.

The conversation may be on any topic of interest to you. Visitors frequently ask questions like, “What’s an average day like for you?” or “What kind of telescopes have you used?”

NASA announces its intent to participate in the 66th International Astronautical Congress, or IAC, and requests that full-time U.S. graduate students attending U.S. universities respond to this “Call for Abstracts.”

The IAC — which is organized by the International Astronautical Federation, or IAF; the International Academy of Astronautics, or IAA; and the International Institute of Space Law, or IISL — is the largest space-related conference worldwide and selects an average of 1,000 scientific papers every year. The upcoming IAC will be held Oct. 12-16, 2015, in Jerusalem, Israel. NASA’s participation in this event is an ongoing effort to continue to bridge NASA with the astronautical and space international community.

This “Call for Abstracts” is a precursor to a subsequent submission of a final paper, which may be presented at the 66th IAC. Student authors are invited to submit an abstract regarding an original, unpublished paper that has not been submitted in any other forum. A NASA technical review panel will select abstracts from those that have been accepted by the International Astronautical Federation. This opportunity is for graduate students majoring in fields related to the IAF research topics. Students may submit technical (oral) presentations and/or posters. Students may submit abstracts that are co-authored with their Principal Investigators. However, the student must be the “lead author,” and only the student will present at the IAC. Students must be available to travel to the conference to represent NASA and their universities. Students must be U.S. citizens, attending a U.S. university, who plan to enter a career in space science or aeronautics. Pending the availability of funding, graduate students selected by NASA to participate in the IAC will be considered for subsidy funding from NASA.

Many students and professors are currently involved in NASA-related research that could be considered for this submission. Students submitting abstracts are strongly encouraged to seek advice from professors who are conducting NASA research and/or from NASA scientists and engineers. Abstracts must be related to NASA’s ongoing vision for space exploration and fit into one of the following IAC categories:

The criteria for the selection will be defined according to the following specifications:— Abstracts should specify purpose, methodology, results, conclusions and areas for discussion.
— Abstracts should indicate that substantive technical and/or programmatic content is included.
— Abstracts should clearly indicate that the material is new and original; they should explain why and how.
— Prospective author(s) should certify that the paper was not presented at a previous meeting.

Abstracts must be written in English, and the length should not exceed 400 words. Tables or drawings are not allowed in the abstract.

NOTE: If you plan to seek assistance from NASA, you must submit to the International Astronautical Federation and to NASA.
— Submit your abstract to the IAF at their website www.iafastro.org by Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 (14:00 CET).
— Submit your abstract to NASA at http://iac.nasaprs.com no later than 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015.

IAC Paper Selection
Submitted abstracts will be evaluated by the Session Chairs on the basis of technical quality and relevance to the session topics. Selected abstracts may be chosen for eventual oral or poster presentation. Any such choice is not an indication of quality of the submitted abstract. Their evaluation will be submitted to the Symposium Coordinators, who will make acceptance recommendations to the International Programme Committee, which will make the final decision. Please note that any relevance to the Congress main theme will be considered as an advantage.

The following information must be included in the submission: paper title, name of contact author, name of co-author(s), organization(s), full postal address, phone, email of the author and co-author(s). Abstract should specify purpose, methodology, results and conclusions and should indicate that substantive technical and/or programmatic content, as well as clearly indicate that the material is new and original and explain why and how.

The Smithsonian’s Family Day event series celebrates the diverse ethnic and cultural communities that have contributed to aviation and space exploration. Events will commemorate historic and current contributions through presentations and activities for the entire family. The events are free and open to the public.

African American Pioneers in Aviation
Feb. 21, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST
National Air and Space Museum in Washington, District of Columbia
Celebrate the significant contributions African-Americans have made to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Visitors will enjoy presentations, hands-on activities and stories. They may have the opportunity to meet astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. Attendees will also learn about inspiring historic figures like Bessie Coleman through re-enactments or story times.http://airandspace.si.edu/events/heritage-days/african-american/

African American Pioneers in Aviation Feb. 28, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
Celebrate the significant contributions African-Americans have made to flight and space exploration despite the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome. Visitors will enjoy presentations, hands-on activities and stories. They may have the opportunity to meet astronauts, fighter pilots, and others who will share stories of their challenges and accomplishments. Attendees will also learn about inspiring historic figures like Bessie Coleman through re-enactments or story times.http://airandspace.si.edu/events/heritage-days/african-american/

Women in Aviation and Space
March 14, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST
National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia
From the days of the earliest pilots to today’s space program, women have made significant contributions. Celebrate the incredible contributions of women in aviation and space exploration at the “Women in Aviation and Space” Family Day. During this event, visitors will have the opportunity to meet female role models and learn about the women who inspired them.http://airandspace.si.edu/events/heritage-days/womens-history/Questions about this series of events should be directed to the Visitor Service line at 202-633-2214.

Curious about icy bodies in the outer reaches of our solar system, the effects of space junk on deep-space observation, the latest discoveries about the origins of the universe and new ways galaxy formation is mapped? Come to the Smithsonian’s Stars Lecture Series presented by Smithsonian researchers who are exploring the sun, the moon, planets, stars, galaxies and the universe. These speakers will share behind-the-scenes details about how their research is done and about technologies that advance new discoveries. The lectures will be held at the Albert Einstein Planetarium at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Each lecture begins at 5:15 p.m. EST and is followed by a Q&A session. Stay after the lecture to visit the museum’s observatory, weather permitting.

Feb. 21, 2015 — Tracing the Structure of the Universe With Galaxy SurveysStudies of galaxy formation and cosmology have exploded in recent years due to the immense data obtained from large galaxy surveys. Postdoctoral fellow Cameron McBride will discuss how observational data and theory are combined to better understand fundamental questions in our universe, and will highlight some exciting results from ongoing research.

Caltech’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships, or SURF, project introduces undergraduate students to research under the guidance of seasoned mentors at Caltech or NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or JPL. Students experience the process of research as a creative intellectual activity and gain a more realistic view of the opportunities and demands of a professional research career.

SURF is modeled on the grant-seeking process. Students collaborate with potential mentors to define and develop a project and to write research proposals. Caltech faculty or JPL staff review the proposals and recommend awards. Students work over a 10-week period in the summer, mid-June to late August. At the conclusion of the project, each student will submit a technical paper and give an oral presentation at SURF Seminar Day.

NASA invites eligible U.S. educational institutions, museums and other organizations to screen and request historical artifacts of significance to spaceflight. This is the 25th screening of artifacts since 2009.

Eligible schools, universities, museums, libraries and planetariums may view the artifacts and request specific items through Feb. 23, 2015. Online registrations should include an assigned Department of Education number. Registration also may be made through the requester’s State Agency for Surplus Property office. For instructions, to register and to view and request artifacts online, visit http://gsaxcess.gov/NASAWel.htm.

The artifacts are free of charge and are offered “as-is.” Organizations must cover shipping costs and any handling fees. Shipping fees on smaller items will be relatively inexpensive; however, larger items may involve extensive disassembly, preparation, shipping and reassembly costs. NASA will work closely with eligible organizations to address any unique handling costs.

Applications are being accepted for the 2015 NASA Glenn Faculty Fellowship Program. This program provides a 10-week summer residency at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

To be eligible to participate in the program, applicants must be full-time science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, faculty members who are U.S. citizens. Applicants must be tenured faculty or in tenure-track positions at four-year accredited U.S. colleges and universities, or full-time faculty at two-year U.S. academic institutions. Faculty members from underrepresented groups and at U.S. Department of Education-designated Minority Serving Institutions are particularly encouraged to apply.

The program awards travel expenses and stipends. Please note that stipend payments or salaries from other federal funding sources, including research grants and contracts, may not be accepted during the 10-week tenure of a Glenn faculty fellowship appointment.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, or APL, is offering summer projects for students interested in working on NASA missions or space-related research opportunities.

Students participating in the 2015 NASA/APL Internship Program will work at the APL facility in Laurel, Maryland. Students will receive a stipend for the 10-week program, and housing will be provided.

Eligible students include undergraduate students who will be sophomores, juniors or seniors as of fall 2015. Graduate students starting their first or second year in fall 2015 are also eligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

International Space Station Research Design Challenge: Capillary Effects on Liquids Exploratory Research Experiments

NASA and Portland State University are seeking participants for the International Space Station Research Design Challenge: Capillary Effects on Liquids Exploratory Research Experiments, or CELERE. This design challenge enables students to participate in microgravity research on capillary action, similar to that conducted on the space station.

Teams or individuals create their own experiment using computer-aided design, or CAD, with a provided template. Short experiment proposals are submitted, and test cells are manufactured by Portland State University using the CAD drawings and a computer-controlled laser cutter. Each experiment is conducted in a drop tower. Video of the drop is provided for student analysis and reporting of results.

CELERE is open to individuals and teams in grades 8-12 Teams may include younger students as long as there is at least one team member in grades 8-12 to facilitate the participation of informal science clubs, Scouts, etc. Teams may be of any size and may include an entire class or science club. The program is limited to students from the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Design proposals are now being accepted. Deadlines for submissions are March 1 and April 1, 2015.

Call for Papers: Fourth Annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference

The fourth annual International Space Station Research and Development Conference will be held July 7-9, 2015, at the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. NASA, the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space and the American Astronomical Society are seeking abstracts under the categories of biology and medicine, human health in space, commercialization and nongovernment utilization, materials development, plant science, remote sensing/Earth and space observation, energy, technology development and demonstration, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education. Topics should relate to science, exploration and technology activities (past, present, planned or under development) on the International Space Station.

Due to the large number of expected submissions, presenters are encouraged to submit abstracts early; the deadline is March 2, 2015.

The NASA Office of Education Minority University Research and Education Project, or MUREP, solicits proposals from Minority Serving Institutions, or MSIs, to create and implement a NASA STEM challenge, targeted for MSI participation. STEM challenges are creative applications of NASA-related science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and cross-cutting concepts.

MUREP STEM Engagement, or MSE, seeks proposals to support MSIs that demonstrate the potential to increase the number of minority undergraduates in STEM education areas relevant to NASA.

The specific goals of MSE awards are to:
— Increase the retention and completion rates of undergraduate degrees awarded from MSIs in NASA-related STEM disciplines;
— Increase the number of NASA-focused STEM experiences that engage underrepresented groups in active learning to improve retention of information and critical thinking skills; and,
— Disseminate proven, innovative practices and programs in STEM teaching, STEM learning, and recruitment and retention of underrepresented/ underserved students in STEM fields.

The specific objectives of the NASA MSE solicitation are to:
— Design, develop and implement a NASA-related STEM challenge targeted for MSI and community college STEM-enrolled student participation;
— Align the challenge design with the NASA mission and with a specific NASA program or project; and
— Develop and implement processes to capture the impact of activities and strategies implemented through this challenge.

Notices of Intent are requested by Jan. 20, 2015, and proposals are due March 2, 2015.

The National Academy of Engineering, or NAE, is launching the Engineering for You Video Contest 2, or E4U2.

Throughout history, engineering has advanced civilization from the way we connect with each other, to the way we heal, to how we get around and simply have fun. But society still faces major obstacles. The NAE has outlined 14 game-changing opportunities for the 21st century called the Grand Challenges for Engineering. Review the challenges and produce a one- to two-minute video showing how achieving one or more of the NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering will lead to a more sustainable, healthy, secure and/or joyous world.

The competition is open to all individuals or teams in the following competition categories:
— Middle school students and younger (grades K-8)
— High school students (grades 9-12)
— Tertiary education students (two-year college through graduate school, full or part time)
— The general public

The main prize is $25,000, and videos will be accepted through March 2, 2015.

Free “What’s New in Aerospace?” Lecture Series at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Curious about recent research, developments and discoveries related to space? Come to the Smithsonian’s “What’s New in Aerospace?” lecture series presented in collaboration with NASA. The lectures will be held at the Moving Beyond Earth Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum in the District of Columbia. Each hourlong lecture begins at 1 p.m. EST and will be streamed live online.